How long can cooked food be left out in the open before it turns unsafe?

0 January 7, 2026 13:29

Food left out in the open for more than four hours can become unsafe to eat, according to experts from Nanyang Technological University. Bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can multiply rapidly in nutrient-rich food, producing toxins that cause food poisoning and cannot always be removed by reheating. The report also looks at safer storage methods, including refrigeration, freezing cooked food in smaller portions, or keeping dishes above 60 degrees Celsius. Alxis Thng reports.